Family Travels in Singapore

Chinese (Lunar) New Year

2009-01-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

This is one of the large streets bordering Chinatown in Singapore. There's a street parade and, since this is the day before New Year's Day, many families are having reunion dinner. Gong Xi Fa Cai, may you enlarge your wealth, is a common seasonal greeting. Another is xin nian kuai ler -- New Year, Happy. This is the biggest holiday in Asia and many Chinese and other shops close on New Year's Day and the following day which are Singapore holidays. Many go to remote locations and its harder to book travel. Mandarin oranges are a symbol of wealth and widely exchanged as traditional gifts.

Each New Year cycles through a kind of Chinese Zodiac of animals. The last year was the year of the rat -- we are entering the year of the ox, or cow, and they have abounded in recent months. Behind the cow you can see a large firecracker. Loud noise and the dragon dance are traditionally performed to frighten the malicious spirits and misfortune away. The varieties of New Year customs and celebrations are numerous.

2008-12-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

Refinished teak furniture. ESL group at our apt.

Thankful

2008-11-29T05:55:00.000-08:00

We have been in Singapore 4 months now. The job at BD has been going very well. It's also good to have some very nice opportunities for Carrie. Our schedules aren't set yet, but at least we know of some good options. We are getting to know a few people at church & RBC. We also had a very nice time with the ESL ladies at our home for 1 class. God continues to show Himself very good to us.

Sentosa Island

2008-11-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

Carrie's dance group has also performed at Sentosa resort island. We saw monkeys there & walked the swinging bridge to the most southern point of the Asian continent.

Carrie's dance group on stage at Botanic Gardens & having fun with the YMCA volunteers afterwards.

2008-11-29T05:40:00.000-08:00

A variety of food.

2008-11-29T05:31:00.000-08:00

Carrie & I ate some delicious pork & veggies with, of course, rice at this food centre. Please enlarge the picture & read the menu. People really do eat just about everything. Touring Chinatown we show kidney, cow's stomach, pig rectum, &, of course, chicken feet, & much more. Bon Appetite!

Drainage ditches.

2008-11-29T05:28:00.001-08:00

Prepared for heavy rains.

Temples.

2008-11-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

Keep the mosquitoes under control.

2008-11-29T05:11:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T04:57:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed Thanksgiving with just the 3 of us & had a feast of duck, mashed potatoes, rice, chye sim (Chinese mustard greens), butternut squash, a can of cranberry sauce from the US, & apple pie. The duck didn't have all the authentic Chinese spices that I can't even identify yet, but we thought it was good. Glenn got to go see Carrie at Riding for the Disabled. We looked around the Salvation Army store. After cooking & eating, Glenn hung my Asian souvenier fan over my dresser.

re:blogging next

2008-10-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

O.k., guys, I've spent many hrs. on this. I thought I'd made a great technological leap, posting pictures on a blog; but, no, I don't know how to organize it very well. This was my next attempt, but now the descriptions don't line up with the pictures as they did when I was creating it, but I must get on with my other life now. Todd & Cindy & kids will be here shortly. Sorry!

No, I haven't been paying enough attention to comments to respond to them, but here's 1 partial answer: Glenn said we paid SD$19.03 / mo. for water. FairPrice (the cheapest store) charges SD$.66 (about $.44 US) for its 1.5 l bottle & SD$2.60 for the same quantity of Avian. Malaysia isn't very far away, & Singapore's off-shore water is full of ships.
Charlene

P. S. later - Glenn was embarrassed by my mixed up post & fixed it, so you can view it better now.

The Philippines & Back Again

2008-10-17T19:00:00.001-07:00

What you've all been waiting for: Laura insisted on buying a durian. I don't think this was the real experience, as it hardly smelled, but we did all try it. Maid serving it

Waiting for a Jeepney; often very wet.

a Jeepney

The van above is waiting for 3 more men to get in. Sights along the journey.

How some people live and hang out laundry

Wired

Can you find Charlene & Carrie in the crowd?

Tricycles.

1st president's home

Pizza Hut delivery.

Bamboo.

Pedicycle.

Laura's dorm entrance.

Laura & roommate Jennifer.

Outside Laura's room with laundry in courtyard.

Kitchen.

Laundry.

Rambutan in dorm yard.

Cows next to Laura's dorm. O.K., Joy, there were 2 horses.

Laura's church.

Rice fields.

Caraboa Center. (Filipino cows.)

Milking parlor.

Laura's classroom bldg.

In Singapore: trying new fruits;
Botanic Garden

Marriott Hotel on Orchard Road

Old Raffles Hotel in the city. Raffles founded Singapore as a major port.

Company is gone. Great time!!!

Sing-lish?

2008-10-10T23:01:00.001-07:00

Wikopedia lists thousands of known English dialects -- the link to Singlish itself spans pages of grammar, ethnic history, and forensic linguistics that might delight some (a few) of you. For most Singaporeans, the term is a pejorative denoting a lower form of English that pigeon-holes the speaker into less desirable tiers and I must admit -- its very difficult to follow. The government quite justifiably encourages Singaporeans to improve their skills and speak Standard English.

However, to my ear, some of these elements remain in Standard English and I find them quite pleasant when listening to the BBC or a local radio/TV station. There are staccato notes of Malay -- "Berhati-hati di Ruang Platform (Mind the platform gap)." There is a sing-song tonality and rhythm to the language that is very musical, maybe Chinese. For example, XieXie (thank you in Mandarin: (pronounced). All of this surrounding a stately foundation of the King's English.

Singaporeans say that even the Angmohs (red-hairs or Caucasian expats) will eventually pick up elements of Singlish from hearing it constantly in Singapore, and I'm sure that's already happening to us. "Car-park, fly-over, mind the gap" are already becoming part of our standard vocabulary. I was advised to indicate "leave" on my calendar if I want to be understood (rather than holiday). So, if we sound a bit different bear with us angmohs!

And with that said I bid you zaijain (pronounced).

Hello Kitty!

2008-10-04T01:06:00.000-07:00

Besides Turtles -- Cats, as those of you reading this blog have perhaps gathered, are in high regard. They are celebrated in the Lantern Festival -- the iconic antithesis of the Hungry Ghost marking the end of phantasmic wanderings. And no doubt with good reason -- see this one napping in the midst of plenty -- unworried by those many humans traipsing to and fro near its bed. No climbing for papayas by this one! Indeed, honored to find such a spot amidst the untra-high efficiency use of space wherewith these merchants present a maximized diversity of wares. Here, one basks in plenty! Not only fruits, but prawns, snappers, tunas, clams, frogs, shrimp, chickens, pork...yet slumber has taken it. One can only speculate that this feline has gorged on the very finest to find honored repose at a crossroads of human commerce -- its statement of contentment and peace to a harried humanity.

Turtles

2008-09-21T03:24:00.000-07:00

Turtles are, to many Chinese, symbols of strength, longevity, and prosperity. So, its appropriate to find them in Chinese Park (see below). The turtle exhibit at Chinese Park boasts over 1300 live turtles and most seem to be well- engaged in the pursuit of long life, and prosperity...and they seem strong enough. Nevertheless, the pressure of being a cult-symbol can get to you. There was this one who seems to have just had enough for one day. But I ask you -- how does this fit the image? Does the tough shell represent strength to withdraw when one has had enough of prosperity and fame? And then there was another one that was sociable enough until I pulled out the camera at which time there was a remarkable withdraw into the shell with squinting eyes -- nothing could coax a reappearance. Paparazzi shyness...flashterriphobia? And here's the opportunity for you Terappin fans -- not one item from UMD in the collectables exhibit.

Chinese Lantern Festival, Chinese Gardens Singapore, Sept. 21, 2008

2008-09-21T01:31:00.000-07:00

There were 2 of these lions in costume dancing to drums. This 1 is posing erect for a picture. Actually there were 2 guys under each costume moving the bodies around as they danced. Neat!

2008-09-21T01:09:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

The theme of the Lantern Festival was "Hello Kitty."

2008-09-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

twirling & balancing a frame with feet

2008-09-21T00:52:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:48:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:46:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:40:00.000-07:00

2008-09-21T00:37:00.000-07:00

Chinese Gardens Lantern Festival 9-21-08

2008-09-21T00:30:00.000-07:00

Sept. 14, 2008. Winds Philharmonic, Singapore Botanic Gardens

2008-09-17T20:58:00.012-07:00

A few of us enjoyed the concert anyway & stayed
pretty dry.

Singaporean hospitality

2008-09-17T20:58:00.011-07:00

Paper fold swan given to Carrie at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer.

2008-09-17T20:58:00.010-07:00

You don't really mean, "No, thank you." Have some delicious noodles anyway. Leng Kwang Baptist Church with Hayes.

our very, very comfy sofas

2008-09-17T20:58:00.009-07:00

family

2008-09-17T20:58:00.007-07:00

2008-09-17T20:58:00.006-07:00

Rebekah & Carrie bowling. Great scores!

Maxi's 4th birthday

2008-09-17T20:58:00.005-07:00

Don't think he was impressed by the "candles." (They're markers.)

Our first dinner guests, Sept. 13, 2008

2008-09-17T20:58:00.004-07:00

Todd & Cindy, Rebekah & Maxi.
Great red snapper from across the rd.

Night Sarafi by the Singapore Zoo

2008-09-17T20:58:00.003-07:00

It is a fake zebra.

"No Durian" sign on a bus

2008-09-17T20:58:00.002-07:00

Wonder why!

How much?

2008-09-17T20:58:00.001-07:00

Cat quite comfortable in the wet market.

2008-09-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

See the squirrel enjoying the papaya outside our balcony.

Our 1st meal in the apt. with real glasses & real flatware. The eggplant casserole turned out pretty good.

2008-08-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

See, a real spoon (not plastic!)

Study/Guest Room -- See, it's inviting you!

2008-08-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

2008-08-30T07:59:00.000-07:00

See my "new" chest of drawers from Guardian Angel Thrift Store in NC. Very nice to have clothes in drawers instead of in a suitcase on the floor.

We've slept on our beds now for the 1st time in 2 1/2 months, & we're liking that quite well.

2008-08-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

Carrie's Room

2008-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

2008-08-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

Moving in, Aug. 28, 2008

2008-08-30T07:43:00.000-07:00

2008-08-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

US shipment has arrived, Thurs., August 28, 5 weeks after our arrival

2008-08-30T07:33:00.000-07:00

Eight Fingers & Two Thumbs

2008-08-29T05:14:00.000-07:00

I was invited to play table tennis with the other R&D groups today at Choa Chu Kang Sports Center. In the late eighteenth century or the early nineteenth century, the Sultan of Johor allowed the Chinese immigrants to plant "ganmi" and pepper along the river bank. These immigrants were called "Kangchu" - the word "kang" means river and "chu" is the clan name of the first headman in charge of the plantations. Its no longer rural with lots of housing and even its own MRT (train) station. We had a good time and my table tennis skills were well tested! On the bus back, Peter, an elderly man began to ask me about the Singapore Table Tennis Team -- big news since they won a Silver medal at this year's Olympics. I thought they did well - just need more experience and offered how pleasant and outgoing Singaporeans are. Well at that moment the magic happened again in his reply: "Singaporeans are 8 fingers and 2 thumbs." I had to digest that, but I think he was saying that only a few are outgoing -- most beneficial, like thumbs. What a nice way to ride!

Junction 8 in Bishan

2008-08-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Food Courts are everywhere in Singapore. Cuisine is inexpensive, and it covers the earth from east to west -- sometimes with interesting outcomes. In this food court, located at Junction 8 in Bishan, you can find a Japanese meal which takes traditional Chicken & Rice and adds an omelet on top of the rice. Singaporeans claim chicken and rice as a national dish and its ubiquitous here. The omelet adds a nice twist. The Junction 8 Food Court is one of the nicer ones -- fluorescent lights in the tables. Its busy for dinner tonight. The first order of business is to find a table, then take turns getting food. Oops, Carrie's done -- off we go!

Wii--Too!!

2008-08-25T05:35:00.001-07:00

Well, we finally got it going after a short visit to the Internet for some help. Carrie has been bowling and playing baseball. There's plenty more for her to explore and we've heard she can play on the Internet with friends. Good thing, she was missing them today we think. The Wii might help or it might trigger some good memories for her. Either way, its not all bad to remember loved ones and good times together.

Wii!!!

2008-08-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Some pictures speak for themselves. Tune in for a future update to this one!

Your Big Chance

2008-08-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Adventures come at surprising times -- more so when you're in contact with local folks day to day. This, and the exercise of walking between transit stops keep me using the public system -- its also less inexpensive. Today on the bus a Chinese man passionately conversing in that tongue looked over and asked "Are you American or British?" When I answered he diatribed on the virtues of Obama for president and asked me to encourage my British friends to write their Labor Party to limit the erosion of representatives from Parliament (before its too late)! About half-way into this dialog many were laughing around us. I agreed to pass the information along -- so to my British friends: please see his note -- this is your big chance. And.... I must confess how much I enjoyed talking with him.

Its Durian-Time

2008-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend Dan formaking us aware of this local delicacy. In my experience, nothing polarizes people more than Durians!

From Wikopedia: The edible flesh emits a distinctive odour, strong and penetrating even when the husk is intact. Regarded by some as fragrant, others as overpowering and offensive, the smell evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust. The odour has led to the fruit's banishment from certain hotels and public transportation in Southeast Asia. Writing in 1856, the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace provides a much-quoted description of the flavour of the durian:

“

The five cells are silky-white within, and are filled with a mass of firm, cream-coloured pulp, containing about three seeds each. This pulp is the edible part, and its consistence and flavour are indescribable. A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes. Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy. It is neither acid nor sweet nor juicy; yet it wants neither of these qualities, for it is in itself perfect. It produces no nausea or other bad effect, and the more you eat of it the less you feel inclined to stop. In fact, to eat Durians is a new sensation worth a voyage to the East to experience. ... as producing a food of the most exquisite flavour it is unsurpassed.

”

While Wallace cautions that "the smell of the ripe fruit is certainly at first disagreeable", later descriptions by westerners are more graphic. British novelist Anthony Burgess writes that eating durian is "like eating sweet raspberry blancmange in the lavatory."^[16] Chef Andrew Zimmern compares the taste to "completely rotten, mushy onions."^[17] Anthony Bourdain, while a lover of durian, relates his encounter with the fruit as thus: "Its taste can only be described as...indescribable, something you will either love or despise. ...Your breath will smell as if you'd been French-kissing your dead grandmother."^[18] Travel and food writer Richard Sterling says:

“	... its odor is best described as pig-dung turpentine and onions, garnished with a gym sock. It can be smelled from yards away.

August Festivities in Holland Village

2008-08-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

We stopped back by "Holland V" as its called locally to get some groceries and other odds and ends. Walking around we came upon this event in preparation -- this is a tent if you can believe it. On the table in front see preparations for the "Hungry Ghost." August is Hungry Ghost month. Deceased relatives that are not given the proper send-off into the next life (and I think this necessarily involves the firstborn son) wander the earth creating difficulties for those of us that remain. To appease them, fruits are offered in August to the "Hungry Ghosts." -- you can see them on the table in front. Apparently, the ghosts consume the spirit essence because the fruits can be eaten following the ceremonies.

The Birds

2008-08-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Things do get "interesting" at times don't they? Carrie is attracting a crowd -- and she's not sure what to do about it. Then a crowd of photographers appeared around her and she was getting flashed at and squawked at from many directions. It was all great fun!

Jurong Bird Park

2008-08-16T07:56:00.000-07:00

One of the really nice things here is the exotic wildlife that can be viewed in the zoo, the bird park, and other places on the Island. A lot of thought goes into the exhibits and you really can interact with the creatures. Here Carrie is feeding a Lori in the Lori Loft at the Bird Park.

from the wet market to the apt. on Aug. 2, 2008

2008-08-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:23:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:13:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

dragon fruit

2008-08-10T06:01:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

2008-08-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

enjoying our beautiful floors

2008-08-10T05:35:00.000-07:00

Singapore Symphony Orchestra at Botanical Gardens

2008-08-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Impressive! This is my 1st blog entry. Don't know about living up to Glenn's expectations. This is also a picture from my new mobile phone. Also impressive. John McC, doesn't the Pepsi look quite inviting! BTW, all the red is for National Day here in Singapore.

Carrie Chows Down

2008-08-10T02:17:00.000-07:00

You can see that Carrie is enjoying certain aspects of the wet market -- like her dad. BTW, you can see papaya off to the side -- our fruit and desert course from the wet market.

The "Wet Market" (Seafood)

2008-08-10T02:13:00.000-07:00

Glenn experienced the"Wet Market" last week just across the street from where we live. We found some good deals on seafood which is one of the less-expensive items in the meat category. So, we purchased some shrimp which were stir fried with tai shim (spelling?) -- a leafy green veg which seems to be a relative of our beloved Swiss Chard.

Here We Go

2008-08-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

Well, there is much we could relate about why we left our long time home in North Carolina for Singapore, how we got here, travel items... The reality is that we're still not settled in, and with everything else in motion, or needing to be in motion we'd never start communicating. So, we're going to jump in, into the flow and see how it goes...trusting to the wonders of Google's blogging software. Deep inside, my hope is that the better half who has real writing talent will pick this up and then, you will be more enjoyably entertained.

We passed a great milestone yesterday! After almost 2 weeks here with no local phone number we now have a local mobile number. Those of you who know Charlene may be amused by the picture of her near to the cellphone manual -- now proud owner of a Nokia 6500! This phone has a reasonably nice camera so no excuses for not communicating.